E. Coli

What is E. Coli?

Escherichia coli (or simply E. coli) is one of the many groups of bacteria that live in the intestines of healthy humans and most warm-blooded animals. A particular strain of E. coli known as E. coli O157:H7 causes a severe intestinal infection in humans.

What are the symptoms of E. Coli?

Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Severe bloody diarrhea
• Non-bloody diarrhea
• Little to no fever
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure and death

How is E. Coli Treated?

Recovery for most people with this illness usually occurs within 5 to 10 days.

If the patient develops HUS, hospitalization in an intensive care unit may be required. Treatment may include blood transfusions and kidney dialysis.